The Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched the NHIA Fistula-Free Programme, providing free surgical treatments for 1,600 women suffering from obstetric fistula. The initiative also includes healthcare support, transportation, nutrition, and financial assistance, while ensuring that beneficiaries are integrated into the national health insurance system for continued care.
Dr. Saka Agboola, Head of the NHIA Department of Quality Assurance and Accreditation, explained that the programme aims to address the limited availability of fistula treatment centres across the country, expanding services to 18 centres nationwide. He emphasized that through the programme, over 1,600 cases have already been treated, highlighting the government’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.
Obstetric fistula occurs when a woman experiences prolonged or obstructed labor without adequate medical care, resulting in an abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina or between the rectum and vagina. The condition affects many women in developing countries, with estimates suggesting over one million women worldwide suffer from it.
The NHIA Fistula-Free Programme forms part of President Tinubu’s broader efforts to improve women’s health, alleviate their suffering, and ensure continued access to quality healthcare through integration into the national health insurance system.
